Dragonair passengers given more time to use electronic devices inflight

02 Sep 2014

Dragonair has announced that from 15 September 2014 8am Hong Kong time, passengers travelling on its flights will no longer be required to switch off certain portable electronic devices during takeoff and landing.

The personal electronic devices that qualify for extended usage include:

Mobile phones, tablets, iPads, eBooks and PDAs which need to be in “Flight Safe/Airplane” mode with the cellular transmission, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions disabled.

Handheld photographic and video equipment such as cameras, mini-video players and camcorders.

During takeoff and landing, passengers’ devices should not be plugged into the aircraft’s utility electrical power supply outlets. As per the current requirement, larger electronic devices such as laptops and notebooks must be switched off and stowed away for takeoff and landing. Any devices packed into checked luggage must always have the power turned off.

The extension to the use of portable electronic devices onboard Dragonair flights follows amendments to the regulations governing the use of such devices by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD).

Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Algernon Yau said: “At Dragonair we are committed to continuously improving the products and services we provide to our customers. We welcome the HKCAD move to amend its regulations on the use personal electronic devices during takeoff and landing. This aligns with our own efforts to make the whole journey more relaxing and pleasurable and we are sure it will be appreciated by our customers.”

Details of the use of portable electronic devices can be found on the “Travel Information” section at the Dragonair website from 15 September 2014.